BULLETIN 2005-26
TO ALL BENEFITS CONTACTS

On August 1st, the contract between UnitedHealthcare (UHC) and Berger Hospital in Circleville (Pickaway County) ended. Consequently Pickaway County enrollees may no longer use Berger Hospital for non-emergency care.

Berger Hospital remains available to enrollees and their families in emergency situations as if it were a network hospital. Similarly, persons in their final stages of pregnancy can continue with their birthing plans at Berger.

The timing of the negotiations between Berger Hospital and UnitedHealthcare was unfortunate but unavoidable. However even with the loss of Berger Hospital, UnitedHealthcare remains in compliance with their state contract that requires each health plan to have a network hospital within 20 miles of each enrollee’s home address.

In mid-July both UHC and Berger Hospital mailed letters to Pickaway County enrollees who had used the hospital within the past year. We have requested that UHC notify all their Pickaway County enrollees. Those letters should be mailed in the next few days along with a listing of alternative providers available in the UHC network.

In the year ending June 30, 2005, there were three admissions to Berger Hospital of state of Ohio enrollees or dependents and 340 outpatient services. This is not meant to lessen the importance of having a nearby facility. UnitedHealthcare has many alternative network providers able to provide urgent care, X-ray and lab, therapies, prosthetic services and others.

Hopefully, Berger Hospital and UnitedHealthcare will come to agreement on a new contract in the future. Meantime, please refer to the list of alternative providers available. Should you or UHC enrollees have other questions about the UnitedHealthcare services available, please call UHC at the phone number on the identification card (877-442-6003).